The Simplicity of Happiness

FILM DETAILS

Director: Erwin Darmali
Running time: 10 minutes
Genre: Documentary Short Film
Rating: G
Release Year: 2017
Language: English

ABOUT THE FILM

This documentary short film tells the story of a self-made millionaire who achieved financial success, recognition, and independence, yet struggled to find inner peace. Despite building wealth and reaching major life milestones, he realized that material success alone did not bring lasting fulfillment.

He decided to try a big life test: give the wealth away.

The film follows his decision to let go of his possessions and redirect his life toward helping people in need. Through service and community work, he discovered a deeper sense of peace and happiness rooted in purpose rather than wealth.

Today, he travels internationally as a speaker, sharing his life experiences with communities around the world. This film has become a regular part of his speaking engagements, capturing his journey in under ten minutes.

THEMES / KEY TAKEAWAYS

Impact: Those who have watched the film has said:
- ”The message on this film is so timeless and true that everyone should watch this.”
- “I saw this video about 5 years ago. Everytime I lost my view of the true aim in life, too focused on money and ambition, greed, I look back to this video”
- ”It is truly a life-changing video…”
Perspective: There are countless films, books, stories about ways to find happiness - showing that many people are struggling with this general perception that to achieve happiness is to be wealthy. This film is not to portray money as evil, but that the human should recognize their relationship with money and understand their existence within their society.
Archives of their old photos and cellphone videos were used extensively to show what they had experienced within the scope of this story.
Purpose: This film was made purely for the intention to help and inspire others to remain balanced in their pursuit of “better life”.